Cabins the latest property option

Franchisee Andrew King is busier than ever. Photo / Doug Sherring

Portable cabins are an increasingly popular solution to Auckland's high property prices.

"We've actually never been busier," RoomMate Cabins franchisee Andrew King said. "In the last five weeks we've had to build 12 new cabins to keep up with demand."

King believed Friday afternoon's delivery, to a couple in Henderson was his 465th.

The couple said they would use the cabin to house family visitors over Christmas, although they would have it in their front yard until May.

King said cabins were solutions to overcrowding, high property prices and steep rents.

Property owners near universities were also making money with cabins.

"Quite a lot of people rent them out to students. They've got a cabin the backyard and then they'll get a student boarder."

When the students left, the cabin could be returned.

In Mt Roskill, Jenny Page's adult son was using a cabin. "Until we convert part of the garage into a sleepout, we've got a cabin on-site for him."

King said the cabins were fully insulated and equipped with power points and carpet.

The first RoomMate franchise was created in 2004. Hire in central or west Auckland started from $55 per week for a minimum six-month term. In Hamilton and Taranaki, it was $50 per week. In Manawatu it was $49.50.

King said councils rarely if ever had problems with cabins, because cabins were transportable, under 10 square metres and didn't have plumbing.

"You do still have to work with the height-to-boundary ratios, if you're too close to the edge of your section. Generally the council doesn't worry about that but if people don't get along with their neighbours, their neighbours can dob them in."